Conspiracy of Freedom

Video Commentary

Community is a buzz word right now. We probably talk about it so much to cover up the fact that we’ve lost it. In the UK for instance, we have 7 million more houses than 40 years ago, and more of us than ever are living alone in them. We commute more – though we know this has an environmental cost. And we know our neighbours less.

What used to be regular occurences in our neighbourhoods - lively community associations, street parties, local lending – have become rare. We may not even know many of our neighbours names. Maybe this makes life quieter. Maybe this gives us the private life we’ve always dreamed of. But maybe it also comes at a cost. The Dalai Lama’s quote is fair: “It is fascinating. In the West, you can travel anywhere in the world, yet you don’t cross the road to meet your neighbours.”

It’s not as if we don’t care about our houses though. What can fairly be called ‘house porn’ is broadcast regularly on the screens we stay indoors to watch. Many of us obsess about having a ‘nice’ place to live, or the promise of a desirable postcode.

Somewhere along the way, Jesus’ teaching about loving our neighbours became so spiritualized that we forgot to actually get to know the people on our street. There’s nothing romantic about doing this – it’s a costly, time-consuming business without a guarantee of success. But Jesus’ teaching has to begin at home. We’re called to seek the peace of the communities we live in (Jeremiah 29:7), and to find God’s purpose in the place we’ve been put.

We could make a start by asking what it means to be good news to our neighbours. But this could also lead us to some deeper questions about local issues. Maybe the place we live has obvious problems that are calling out for the savour of the kingdom. Or maybe we need to find ways out of our comfort zone to the places of pain and need where God’s love can be shown. 

  

Bible Study

‘Home’ is designed to flow naturally into a simple pattern of lifestyle discussion (see How to). But if you’d like to go deeper into the Bible verses used:

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:13-17)

What kind of hospitality is Paul looking for?

Which instructions relate naturally to other Christians? Which relate to neighbours? Or to both?  

What do these verses mean for your street / your community?

Other texts: Psalm 112; Proverbs 3:28-29, 14:21, 25:17, 27:10; Mark 12:28-34

Get Practical

What does your neighbourhood need? What can you offer?

What keeps you from getting out more and meeting your neighbours?

If you were God, where would you want Christians to be living? 

Consider these real life examples of what to do next…